Perfect conditions for Russell to Paihia race

The first Russell to Paihia swimming race in the Sovereign New Zealand ocean swim series was a big success, say organisers.

Series director Scott Rice says he is delighted the race on Saturday, December 12, went as planned and that 538 swimmers made the 3.3km crossing safely.

"The weather was perfect. The winds didn’t come up until noon as MetService predicted," he says.

The Bay of Islands made a great race venue and Mr Rice is confident the race, the longest in the six-event series, will grow after attracting about 2000 people to the bay.

"It’s not every day that people can swim in a safe environment from the country’s first capital, Russell, to the beautiful shores of Paihia.

"We’re sure this event will become one of the highlights of the series." He praised the Far North District Council and Destination Northland for sponsoring the swim, won by Dunedin man Bryn Murphy in 39 minutes and 51 seconds.

"This council has been amazing to deal with."

Far North mayor Wayne Brown told swimmers who filled Paihia’s village green for a prizegiving that it was fantastic to have so many fit and healthy visitors in the district.

His council would support the swim again next year, he said.

The race also got the thumbs-up from double Olympic gold medal swimmer Danyon Loader, who finished in 41st place in 49 minutes and 23 seconds.

"Today was fantastic. You couldn’t ask for better conditions."

Whangarei resident Tracy Hyde was thrilled to complete her longest ever ocean swim well under the cut off time of of two hours.

The legal executive finished the race in just over 90 minutes, a time which placed her near the back of the field.

But for Tracy it wasn’t a race.

"I just wanted to give it a go and challenge myself. It’s the longest swim I have ever done. I was worried I wouldn’t make the two hour cut off time though – but I did better than expected," she said.

- © Fairfax NZ News